Sunny Sunflowers

I love Sunflowers.  It was the first flowers my husband gave to me when we were dating.  The name of my jewelry website, Sunfluer’s Jewelry Designs is inspired by these cheerful flowers.  Funny thing is that although I’ve used lots of different subjects in my fine artworks, I haven’t taken much time to bring one of my favorite flowers into the work.

I created a Sunflower drawing with color pencils.  Using various shades of yellows, browns and greens, I created this new work with layers of colors.  Just like painting, I build the colors up by layering color upon color and blending.  Although this is a small work, 9 x 7 inches, it took hours to make.  I find I like working small and spending time on the details.

This piece was created with Zazzle products in mind.  It is a good subject for many of the products.  You can find this lovely image on necklace pendants, cups, hats, greeting cards, etc., at my Zazzle store.

"Never look directly at the sun. Instead, look at the sunflower."  ~  Vera Nazarian ~

Year of the Rabbit

My latest artwork is inspired by the upcoming Chinese New Year in February 2011.  Twelve years ago,  I traveled to China to adopt my daughter.  The Chinese were getting ready to celebrate the year of the rabbit.  There were decorations everywhere with images of the rabbit and auspicious symbols.  This memory is what is behind this new work.

It is red pigment ink with gold leaf on Bristol.  The image is available on various products in my Zazzle store.

It is a small scale, 5 x 5 work.  It took an entire afternoon to create it.  I had to take my time to fill in the red ink.  It required patience and a steady hand.  In the middle of the rabbit's body is the Chinese symbol for "rabbit". 

I'm happy I learned as a child to color inside of the lines although my inclination as an adult is to work outside of it...

www.OffTheCuffArt.com
 www.BarbaraGiordanoArt.Etsy.com
 www.SunfluersJewelryDesigns.com
 www.Zazzle.com/Sunfluer
 http://SunfluerDesigns.Imagekind.com

Border Collie

I’m continuing to explore my new graphic tablet and created a Border Collie.  It was a interesting exercise.  I’m still trying to get comfortable with the tool.

This is an experimental piece which I created free hand referencing a photo:

New Digital Art

I was finally able to fund a graphic tablet.  I'm very excited about it and couldn’t wait to begin the first project.  It takes a bit getting used to working with it although having some prior experience using Photoshop helps a lot.

After reviewing the tutorial, I jumped right in learning as I go along.  I created a piece from my memory of the Mad Hatter, a favorite character.

What I love about the tablet is the flexibility of making changes.  It’s so easy if you don’t like something or want a different color.  Flexibility is something I could definitely live with.  I’m hoping that as I become more proficient using the tablet it will help me find more of my voice and vision in my work.  It is great, I think as an aid to loosing up artist block.  Now, I’m looking forward to creating the next artwork.